JULIE. Made it up! Just God, what name is there vile enough for me to fling in your face? Are you so utterly base that you think now there can be any thought of reconciliation between us? After what you have just told me, do you suppose that I would submit to—Think what it means. Think what the thing you men call love means to women if it has neither affection nor children for its justification.
ANTONIN. I won’t answer you. You don’t know what you’re saying. You’re mad, and I shall treat you accordingly. To begin with, go to your room and try to calm yourself. Go. [He tries to take her by the arm].
JULIE [shrieking] Don’t touch me! Don’t touch me! [She pushes him violently away].
ANTONIN [furious] Look here, Julie; I’m not going to stand this. I tell you to go to your room at once.
JULIE. Don’t touch me.
ANTONIN. I shall touch you if I please. Oh, you may scream if you like. You’re my wife, and I’ve the right to do as I choose with you.
JULIE. Take your hands off me. I hate you, I say. I hate you.
ANTONIN. You hate me. I dare say. But if you suppose that I’m a genteel husband out of a book, who lets his wife lock her door against him, you’re vastly mistaken. I’ve married you, I love you, and I intend to keep you. Hate me, do you? Very well. Escape from me if you can. [He takes her in his arms. There is a struggle. Furniture is overturned. No word is spoken, but you can hear their deep breathing. Suddenly Antonin cries out] Curse you, you’ve bitten me!
JULIE. Yes. And I will kill you if you don’t let me go!
ANTONIN [transported with rage] We shall see which of us is master.